JPH0256903A - Variable resistance device - Google Patents

Variable resistance device

Info

Publication number
JPH0256903A
JPH0256903A JP63207287A JP20728788A JPH0256903A JP H0256903 A JPH0256903 A JP H0256903A JP 63207287 A JP63207287 A JP 63207287A JP 20728788 A JP20728788 A JP 20728788A JP H0256903 A JPH0256903 A JP H0256903A
Authority
JP
Japan
Prior art keywords
presser
electrodes
conductive elastomer
electrode
conductive rubber
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
JP63207287A
Other languages
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
Hiroshi Kuramochi
浩 倉持
Yasuo Okuda
奥田 康雄
Shigeyoshi Ogiwara
荻原 成嘉
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Fine Rubber Kenkyusho KK
Original Assignee
Fine Rubber Kenkyusho KK
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Fine Rubber Kenkyusho KK filed Critical Fine Rubber Kenkyusho KK
Priority to JP63207287A priority Critical patent/JPH0256903A/en
Priority to EP90103047A priority patent/EP0442015A1/en
Publication of JPH0256903A publication Critical patent/JPH0256903A/en
Priority to US07/488,133 priority patent/US5162775A/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/70Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
    • H01H13/78Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard characterised by the contacts or the contact sites
    • H01H13/785Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard characterised by the contacts or the contact sites characterised by the material of the contacts, e.g. conductive polymers
    • GPHYSICS
    • G01MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01LMEASURING FORCE, STRESS, TORQUE, WORK, MECHANICAL POWER, MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, OR FLUID PRESSURE
    • G01L1/00Measuring force or stress, in general
    • G01L1/20Measuring force or stress, in general by measuring variations in ohmic resistance of solid materials or of electrically-conductive fluids; by making use of electrokinetic cells, i.e. liquid-containing cells wherein an electrical potential is produced or varied upon the application of stress
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01CRESISTORS
    • H01C10/00Adjustable resistors
    • H01C10/10Adjustable resistors adjustable by mechanical pressure or force
    • H01C10/106Adjustable resistors adjustable by mechanical pressure or force on resistive material dispersed in an elastic material
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H1/00Contacts
    • H01H1/02Contacts characterised by the material thereof
    • H01H1/021Composite material
    • H01H1/029Composite material comprising conducting material dispersed in an elastic support or binding material
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2201/00Contacts
    • H01H2201/022Material
    • H01H2201/032Conductive polymer; Rubber
    • H01H2201/036Variable resistance

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Composite Materials (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Adjustable Resistors (AREA)

Abstract

PURPOSE:To stabilize the relation between the change of a force and an electric resistance by providing a pressing element facing a pair of electrodes and an expanded conductive elastomer sheet between the electrodes and the pressing element. CONSTITUTION:An expanded conductive rubber sheet 7 is provided between a board 2 and a pressing element 5. The conductive rubber sheet 7 has characteristics such that it has a high electric resistance while no elongation given to it but, the larger the elongation, the smaller the electric resistance. If the pressing element 5 is pushed toward respective electrodes 3 and 4, the parts of the conductive elastomer sheet 7 adjoining the electrodes 3 and 4 are pressed against the electrodes 3 and 4 and electrical contacts between the electrodes 3 and 4 and the elastomer sheet 7 can be securely obtained. Moreover, as an elongation corresponding to a force applied to the pressing element 5 is given to the part of the conductive elastomer sheet 7 between the electrode 3 and 4, the electric resistance between the electrodes 3 and 4 is changed in accordance with the force applied to the pressing element 5. With this constitution, the electric resistance can be changed smoothly in accordance with the change of the force and, further, the relation between the force and the electric resistance can be stabilized.

Description

【発明の詳細な説明】 〔産業上の利用分野〕 本発明は、作用される力の大きさに応じて電気抵抗値を
変化する可変抵抗装置に関する。
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a variable resistance device that changes an electrical resistance value depending on the magnitude of applied force.

〔従来の技術〕[Conventional technology]

従来、力を作用されると電気抵抗値を変化する装置の代
表的なものとしては、感圧導電ゴム(PCR)を用いた
装置があった。
Conventionally, a device using pressure-sensitive conductive rubber (PCR) has been a typical device that changes the electrical resistance value when force is applied.

〔発明が解決しようとする課題〕[Problem to be solved by the invention]

しかし、従来の感圧導電ゴムは、 (a)作用される力の変化に対する電気抵抗値の変化が
スムーズでない。
However, in conventional pressure-sensitive conductive rubber, (a) the electrical resistance value does not change smoothly in response to changes in the applied force.

(b)作用される力と電気抵抗値との関係が安定しない
(b) The relationship between the applied force and the electrical resistance value is unstable.

という問題があった。There was a problem.

したがって、従来の感圧導電ゴムを用いた装置は、作用
される力の有無に応じてオン、オフ的な機能を果たさせ
ることができるのみで、アナログ的な機能を果させるこ
とはできなかった。
Therefore, devices using conventional pressure-sensitive conductive rubber can only perform on/off functions depending on the presence or absence of applied force, but cannot perform analog functions. Ta.

本発明は、前記従来の問題を解決するためになされたも
ので、作用される力の大きさに応じて電気抵抗値を変化
する可変抵抗装置であって、力の変化に対する電気抵抗
値の変化がスムーズで、がつ力と電気抵抗値との関係が
安定しており、ヒシテリシスも小さく、しかも構造およ
び組み立てが簡単で、製造コストを安くすることができ
る可変抵抗装置を提供することを目的とする。
The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and is a variable resistance device that changes the electrical resistance value according to the magnitude of the applied force, and is a variable resistance device that changes the electrical resistance value in response to a change in the force. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a variable resistance device that is smooth, has a stable relationship between strain force and electrical resistance value, has low hysteresis, is simple in structure and assembly, and can reduce manufacturing costs. do.

〔課題を解決するための手段〕[Means to solve the problem]

本発明による可変抵抗装置は、対をなす電極と、これら
の電極に対向して設けられた押圧子と、前記電極と前記
押圧子との間に設けられた伸長型導電エラストマー(伸
びを与えられると該伸びの大きさに応じて電気抵抗値が
変化するエラストマー)とを有してなり、 前記押圧子が前記電極側に押されると、該押圧子が前記
導電エラストマーを押し、前記導電エラストマーのうち
の各電極に隣接している部分を各電極に押し付けるとと
もに前記導電エラストマーのうちの前記電極間の部分に
伸びを与えるようになっているものである。
The variable resistance device according to the present invention includes a pair of electrodes, a presser provided opposite these electrodes, and an elongated conductive elastomer (stretchable) provided between the electrodes and the presser. and an elastomer whose electrical resistance value changes depending on the magnitude of the elongation), and when the presser is pressed toward the electrode, the presser presses the conductive elastomer, causing the conductive elastomer to The portion of the conductive elastomer adjacent to each electrode is pressed against each electrode, and the portion of the conductive elastomer between the electrodes is stretched.

〔作用〕[Effect]

本発明においては、押圧子が電極側に押されると、導電
エラストマーのうちの各電極に隣接している部分が各電
極に押し付けられ、電極と伸長型導電エラストマーとが
確実に電気的に接触される。
In the present invention, when the pusher is pushed toward the electrode, the portion of the conductive elastomer adjacent to each electrode is pressed against each electrode, thereby ensuring electrical contact between the electrode and the elongated conductive elastomer. Ru.

また、導電エラストマーのうちの電極間の部分に、押圧
子に作用される力に応じた大きさの伸びが与えられるの
で、電極間の電気抵抗値は押圧子に作用される力に応じ
て変化する。
In addition, the portion of the conductive elastomer between the electrodes is given an elongation that corresponds to the force applied to the presser, so the electrical resistance between the electrodes changes depending on the force applied to the presser. do.

〔実施例〕〔Example〕

以下、本発明を図面に示す実施例に基づいて説明する。 Hereinafter, the present invention will be explained based on embodiments shown in the drawings.

第1〜5図は本発明の第一実施例を示す。この実施例に
おいて、電気絶縁材料からなるケース1は一面を開口さ
れた箱状をなしており、このケース1の開口面には電気
絶縁材料からなる基板2が取り付けられている。前記基
板2には、互いに平行に配置された一対のコの字状の電
極3,4が、それらの両側の辺を基板2の内面側から外
面側へ貫通させた状態で固定されている。
1 to 5 show a first embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, a case 1 made of an electrically insulating material has a box shape with one side open, and a substrate 2 made of an electrically insulating material is attached to the open surface of the case 1. A pair of U-shaped electrodes 3 and 4 arranged parallel to each other are fixed to the substrate 2 with their opposite sides penetrating from the inner surface to the outer surface of the substrate 2.

前記ケース1には、電気絶縁材料からなる実質的に剛体
の押圧子5が、基板2に対して垂直方向に移動可能に嵌
合されており、この押圧子5に設けられた円柱状部5a
はケース1の基板2と反対側の面に設けられた押圧子突
出穴6からケース1の外部に突出するようになっている
。前記押圧子5のうちの基板2に対向する部分は、基板
2に対し実質的に平行をなす平面部5bと、この平面部
5bの中央部に設けられた球面状の凸部5cとからなり
、凸部5Cの頂点5dは平面部5bと同一高さとされて
いる。
A substantially rigid presser 5 made of an electrically insulating material is fitted into the case 1 so as to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the substrate 2, and a cylindrical portion 5a provided on the presser 5
protrudes to the outside of the case 1 from a presser protrusion hole 6 provided on the surface of the case 1 opposite to the substrate 2. The portion of the presser 5 that faces the substrate 2 consists of a flat portion 5b substantially parallel to the substrate 2, and a spherical convex portion 5c provided at the center of the flat portion 5b. , the apex 5d of the convex portion 5C is at the same height as the flat portion 5b.

前記基板2と押圧子5との間にはシート状の伸長型導電
ゴム7が介装されている。この導電ゴム7は、伸びを与
えられるとその電気抵抗値が変化する特性を有しており
、第6図はこの伸長型導電ゴム7の伸び率と電気抵抗値
の変化との関係を示す特性図である(ただし、この図は
伸長型導電ゴム7を長さ50.hm、幅5.0mm、厚
さ0.3mmのシート状とした場合の特性である)。こ
の特性図から明らかなように、この伸長型導電ゴム7は
、伸びを全く与えない状態では電気抵抗が大きいが、伸
ばすにつれて抵抗が小さくなる特性を有している。
A sheet-shaped elongated conductive rubber 7 is interposed between the substrate 2 and the presser 5. This conductive rubber 7 has a characteristic that its electric resistance value changes when it is stretched, and FIG. (However, this figure shows the characteristics when the elongated conductive rubber 7 is in the form of a sheet with a length of 50.hm, a width of 5.0 mm, and a thickness of 0.3 mm). As is clear from this characteristic diagram, the stretchable conductive rubber 7 has a characteristic that the electrical resistance is large when no stretching is applied, but the resistance decreases as it stretches.

そして、この伸長型導電ゴム7においては、伸び(力)
の変化に対する電気抵抗値の変化がスムーズであって、
かつ伸び(力)と電気抵抗値との関係が安定しており、
ヒステリシスも小さい。
In this elongated conductive rubber 7, the elongation (force)
The change in electrical resistance value with respect to the change in is smooth,
And the relationship between elongation (force) and electrical resistance value is stable,
Hysteresis is also small.

なお、この伸長型導電ゴム7は、圧縮されたときも、そ
の電気抵抗値が変化するが、その場合にはヒステリシス
特性が大きくなる。
Note that the electrical resistance value of the stretchable conductive rubber 7 also changes when it is compressed, but in that case, the hysteresis characteristic increases.

このような特性を有する伸長型導電ゴムは、例えば、特
願昭62−203856号に開示されているように、カ
ーボンブラックおよびグラファイトを混合してなる導電
性シリコンゴムをあらかじめ架橋させ、しかる後に、こ
の導電性シリコンゴムと相溶性のあるシリコンオイルを
5〜50%含浸することにより作成することができる。
An elongated conductive rubber having such characteristics can be obtained by, for example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. 62-203856, conductive silicone rubber made by mixing carbon black and graphite is cross-linked in advance, and then, It can be created by impregnating 5 to 50% of silicone oil that is compatible with this conductive silicone rubber.

前記押圧子5に外力が作用されていないときは、導電ゴ
ム7のうちの電極3.4間の部分7cと基板2との間に
は空間8が形成されている。
When no external force is applied to the presser 5, a space 8 is formed between the substrate 2 and the portion 7c of the conductive rubber 7 between the electrodes 3.4.

次に、本実施例の作動を説明する。Next, the operation of this embodiment will be explained.

第1図のように押圧子5に外力が作用されていない状態
では、導電ゴム7には伸びが与えられないので、導電ゴ
ム7は電気抵抗値が大きい状態となっている。
When no external force is applied to the presser 5 as shown in FIG. 1, the conductive rubber 7 is not elongated, so the conductive rubber 7 has a large electrical resistance value.

他方、押圧子5のケース1外に突出している部分5aを
指で押し、第2図のように押圧子5を電極3,4側に移
動すると、導電ゴム7のうちの電極3.4に隣接してい
る部分7a、7bが電極3゜4に押し付けられ、導電ゴ
ム7と電極3.4とが確実に電気的に接触される。また
、押圧子5の凸部5cが導電ゴム7のうちの電極3,4
間の部分7cを押して空間8側に変形させ、該部分7c
に伸びを与え、電極3,4間における導電ゴム7の電気
抵抗値を低下させる。ここで、前記伸びの大きさは押圧
子5に作用される力に対応しているので、結局、押圧子
5に作用される力に応じて電極3.4間の電気抵抗値が
変化することになる。
On the other hand, when the part 5a of the presser 5 protruding outside the case 1 is pressed with a finger and the presser 5 is moved toward the electrodes 3 and 4 as shown in FIG. Adjacent parts 7a, 7b are pressed against the electrodes 3.4 to ensure electrical contact between the conductive rubber 7 and the electrodes 3.4. Further, the convex portion 5c of the presser 5 is connected to the electrodes 3 and 4 of the conductive rubber 7.
Push the part 7c in between to deform it to the space 8 side, and
The electrical resistance value of the conductive rubber 7 between the electrodes 3 and 4 is lowered. Here, since the magnitude of the elongation corresponds to the force applied to the presser 5, the electrical resistance value between the electrodes 3 and 4 changes depending on the force applied to the presser 5. become.

また、押圧子5を押す力が解除されれば、導電ゴム7の
弾性によりこの可変抵抗装置は第1図の初期状態に戻る
Furthermore, when the force pressing the presser 5 is released, the elasticity of the conductive rubber 7 causes the variable resistance device to return to the initial state shown in FIG.

この可変抵抗装置においては、伸長型導電ゴム7に与え
る伸びを変化することにより電気抵抗値を変化させるの
で、力の変化に対する電気抵抗値の変化がスムーズであ
って、かつ力と電気抵抗値との関係が安定している。
In this variable resistance device, the electrical resistance value is changed by changing the elongation given to the elongated conductive rubber 7, so that the electrical resistance value changes smoothly in response to a change in force, and the force and electrical resistance value change smoothly. The relationship is stable.

また、前述のように、伸長型導電ゴム7は、圧縮された
ときもその電気抵抗値が変化するが、その場合にはヒス
テリシス特性が大きくなるという不都合が生じる。しか
るに、本発明においては、上述のように電極3,4間に
おける導電ゴム7の伸びによって電気抵抗値が変化する
ので、ヒステリシスを小さくすることができる。
Further, as described above, the electrical resistance value of the stretchable conductive rubber 7 changes even when it is compressed, but in this case, there arises a disadvantage that the hysteresis characteristic increases. However, in the present invention, the electrical resistance value changes depending on the elongation of the conductive rubber 7 between the electrodes 3 and 4 as described above, so that the hysteresis can be reduced.

したがって、この可変抵抗装置によれば、その電気抵抗
値の変化を通じて、例えば、モータの回転数、光、或い
は音等の制御を精密に行うことが可能である。
Therefore, according to this variable resistance device, it is possible to precisely control, for example, the rotational speed of the motor, light, sound, etc. by changing the electrical resistance value.

また、この可変抵抗装置においては、導電ゴム7を電極
3,4と押圧子5との間に介在させるだけでよく、導電
ゴム7を電極3.4に機械的に接続ないしは取り付ける
必要はないので、組み立てが簡単である。
Furthermore, in this variable resistance device, it is only necessary to interpose the conductive rubber 7 between the electrodes 3, 4 and the presser 5, and there is no need to mechanically connect or attach the conductive rubber 7 to the electrodes 3.4. , easy to assemble.

また、押圧子5が押されたとき、導電ゴム7が押圧子5
と電極3,4との間にしっかりと挟持されるので、押圧
子5の凸部5cが導電ゴム7の電極3.4間の部分7c
を押したとき、導電ゴム7が電極3,4間から滑り落ち
、空間8に落ち込んでしまうこともない。
Also, when the presser 5 is pressed, the conductive rubber 7
and the electrodes 3 and 4, the convex portion 5c of the presser 5 touches the portion 7c of the conductive rubber 7 between the electrodes 3 and 4.
When pressed, the conductive rubber 7 does not slip from between the electrodes 3 and 4 and fall into the space 8.

なお、前記実施例では、押圧子5全体が電気絶縁材料か
ら構成されているが、電極3.4間の電気抵抗値の変化
に悪影響を与えない範囲で、押圧子5の一部を金属等の
電気導体としてもよい。
In the above embodiment, the entire presser element 5 is made of an electrically insulating material, but a portion of the presser element 5 is made of metal or the like within a range that does not adversely affect the change in electrical resistance between the electrodes 3.4. It may also be used as an electrical conductor.

第7図および8図は本発明の第二実施例を示す。Figures 7 and 8 show a second embodiment of the invention.

この実施例においては、押圧子5と伸長型導電ゴム7と
の間にスポンジ、ポリウレタンフォーム等からなるシー
ト状の柔軟でかつ弾性を有する電気絶縁性の材料からな
る介装材11が介装されている。そして、押圧子5のう
ちの介装材11を介して伸長型導電ゴム7に対向する部
分は、全面的に、基板2に対し実質的に平行をなす平面
部5eとされており、前記第一実施例のような凸部5c
は設けられていない。
In this embodiment, an intervening material 11 made of a sheet-like flexible and elastic electrically insulating material made of sponge, polyurethane foam, etc. is interposed between the presser 5 and the stretchable conductive rubber 7. ing. The part of the presser 5 that faces the elongated conductive rubber 7 via the intervening material 11 is entirely a flat part 5e that is substantially parallel to the substrate 2. Convex portion 5c as in one embodiment
is not provided.

他の構成は前記実施例と同様である。The other configurations are the same as those in the previous embodiment.

次に、本実施例の作動を説明する。Next, the operation of this embodiment will be explained.

第7図のように押圧子5に外力が作用されていない状態
では、導電ゴム7には伸びが与えられないので、導電ゴ
ム7は電気抵抗値が大きい状態となっている。
When no external force is applied to the presser 5 as shown in FIG. 7, the conductive rubber 7 is not stretched, so the conductive rubber 7 has a large electrical resistance value.

他方、押圧子5のケース1外に突出している部分5aを
指で押し、第8図のように押圧子5を電極3,4側に移
動すると、介装材11を介して導電ゴム7が押され、該
導電ゴム7のうちの電極3゜4に隣接している部分7a
、7bが電極3,4に押し付けられ、導電ゴム7と電極
3,4とが確実に電気的に接触される。
On the other hand, when the part 5a of the pusher 5 protruding outside the case 1 is pressed with a finger and the pusher 5 is moved toward the electrodes 3 and 4 as shown in FIG. The pressed portion 7a of the conductive rubber 7 adjacent to the electrode 3.4
, 7b are pressed against the electrodes 3, 4 to ensure electrical contact between the conductive rubber 7 and the electrodes 3, 4.

また、このとき、介装材11の電極3,4付近の部分が
電極3,4間(すなわち、横方向)にはみ出て、導電ゴ
ム7のうちの電極3,4間の部分7cを押して空間8側
に変形させ、該部分7cに伸びを与え、電極3,4間に
おける導電ゴム7の電気抵抗値を低下させる。この結果
、前記第一実施例と同様にして、押圧子5に作用される
力に応じて電極3.4間の電気抵抗値が変化する。
Also, at this time, a portion of the intervening material 11 near the electrodes 3 and 4 protrudes between the electrodes 3 and 4 (that is, in the lateral direction), pushing the portion 7c of the conductive rubber 7 between the electrodes 3 and 4 and creating a space. 8 side to give elongation to the portion 7c and reduce the electrical resistance value of the conductive rubber 7 between the electrodes 3 and 4. As a result, the electrical resistance value between the electrodes 3 and 4 changes in accordance with the force applied to the presser 5, as in the first embodiment.

また、押圧子5を押す力が解除されれば、導電ゴム7お
よび介装材11の弾性によりこの可変抵抗装置は第7図
の初期状態に戻る。
Further, when the force pressing the presser 5 is released, the elasticity of the conductive rubber 7 and the intervening material 11 causes the variable resistance device to return to the initial state shown in FIG. 7.

第9図および10図は本発明の第三実施例を示す。この
実施例においては、電気絶縁材料からなるケース1は長
尺状とされており、このケース1の一方の開口面には電
気絶縁材料からなる基板2が取り付けられている。前記
基板2には、互いに平行に配置された複数対のコの字状
の電極3□。
Figures 9 and 10 show a third embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, a case 1 made of an electrically insulating material is elongated, and a substrate 2 made of an electrically insulating material is attached to one opening surface of the case 1. The substrate 2 has a plurality of pairs of U-shaped electrodes 3□ arranged in parallel to each other.

32、・・・3N、4..42.・・・4Nが、それら
の両側の辺を基板2の内面側から外面側へ貫通させた状
態で固定されている。
32,...3N,4. .. 42. . . 4N are fixed with their both sides penetrating from the inner surface to the outer surface of the substrate 2.

前記ケース1内において電極3□、32.・・・3N”
1”2’ ・・・4N上には、長いシート状の伸長型導
電ゴム7が置かれている。この伸長型導電ゴム7上には
、スポンジ、ポリウレタンフォーム等からなる柔軟でか
つ弾性を有する電気絶縁性の材料からなる長いシート状
の押圧子5が置かれており、さらにこの押圧子5上には
軟質プラスチック等の柔軟でかつ弾性を有する材料から
なる長いシート然のカバー13が置かれている。そして
、このカバー13の大部分はケース1の基板2と反対側
の面に設けられた開口12を介して外部に露出されてい
る。前記押圧子5に外力が作用されていないときは、導
電ゴム7のうちの電極31゜3  ・・・3Nと4□、
42.・・・4Nとの間の部分2 ′ と基板2との間には前記各実施例の場合の空間8と同様
の空間が形成されている。
In the case 1, electrodes 3□, 32. ...3N”
1"2' ... 4N, a long sheet-shaped elongated conductive rubber 7 is placed. On this elongated conductive rubber 7, a flexible and elastic material made of sponge, polyurethane foam, etc. A long sheet-like presser 5 made of an electrically insulating material is placed, and a long sheet-like cover 13 made of a flexible and elastic material such as soft plastic is placed on top of the presser 5. Most of this cover 13 is exposed to the outside through an opening 12 provided on the surface of the case 1 opposite to the substrate 2.When no external force is applied to the presser 5, are the electrodes 31°3...3N and 4□ of the conductive rubber 7,
42. . . 4N and the substrate 2, a space similar to the space 8 in each of the embodiments described above is formed.

本実施例においては、カバー13を介して押圧子5の一
部を指で押圧すると、該部分が導電ゴム7のうちの対応
する部分を押し、電極3□、3゜。
In this embodiment, when a part of the presser 5 is pressed with a finger through the cover 13, this part pushes the corresponding part of the conductive rubber 7, and the electrode 3□, 3° is pressed.

・・・3Nと4□、4□、・・・4Nのうちの対応する
対に導電ゴム7を押し付けるとともに該対応する対の電
極間の導電ゴム7に伸びを与える。これにより、前記対
応する対の電極間の電気抵抗値が指の押す力に対応する
分だけ低下する。
. . 3N and 4□, 4□, . . . 4N. The conductive rubber 7 is pressed against the corresponding pairs of electrodes, and the conductive rubber 7 is stretched between the corresponding pairs of electrodes. As a result, the electrical resistance value between the corresponding pairs of electrodes is reduced by an amount corresponding to the pressing force of the finger.

なお、本実施例においては、カバー13は必ずしも設け
なくてもよい。
Note that in this embodiment, the cover 13 does not necessarily need to be provided.

第11図は本発明の第四実施例を示す。本実施例におい
ては、前記第9図および10図の第三実施例と異なり、
電極は複数対設けられておらず、導電ゴム7のほぼ全長
に隣接する一対の電極3゜4のみが設けられている。他
の構成は前記第三実施例と同様である。
FIG. 11 shows a fourth embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, unlike the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10,
A plurality of pairs of electrodes are not provided, but only a pair of electrodes 3.4 adjacent to each other along substantially the entire length of the conductive rubber 7 is provided. The other configurations are the same as those of the third embodiment.

本実施例においては、長さ方向に関して押圧子5のどの
部分を指で押圧しても、一対の電極3゜4間の電気抵抗
値が指の押す力に対応する分だけ低下する。
In this embodiment, no matter which part of the presser 5 is pressed with a finger in the length direction, the electrical resistance value between the pair of electrodes 3 and 4 is reduced by an amount corresponding to the pressing force of the finger.

なお、前記各実施例では、伸長型導電エラストマーとし
て伸長型導電ゴムを用いた例を示したが、本発明におい
ては、ゴム以外の伸長型導電性エラストマーを使用して
もよい。
In each of the above embodiments, an example in which an elongated conductive rubber was used as the elongated conductive elastomer was shown, but in the present invention, an elongated conductive elastomer other than rubber may be used.

また、本発明において使用できる伸長型導電ゴムの成分
および製法は、前記特願昭62−173856号に開示
されたものに限られない。
Furthermore, the components and manufacturing method of the elongated conductive rubber that can be used in the present invention are not limited to those disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. 173856/1982.

さらに、前記各実施例では、押圧子5を直接押すように
しているが、本発明においては、レバー等の他の部材を
介して押圧子を操作する構成としてもよい。
Further, in each of the embodiments described above, the pusher 5 is pressed directly, but in the present invention, the pusher may be operated via another member such as a lever.

〔発明の効果〕〔Effect of the invention〕

以上のように本発明による可変抵抗装置は、作用される
力の大きさに応じて電気抵抗値を変化する可変抵抗装置
であって、 (イ)力の変化に対する電気抵抗値の変化がスムーズで
あって、かつ力と電気抵抗値との関係が安定している。
As described above, the variable resistance device according to the present invention is a variable resistance device that changes the electrical resistance value according to the magnitude of the applied force, and (a) the electrical resistance value changes smoothly in response to changes in the force. , and the relationship between force and electrical resistance value is stable.

(ロ)ヒシテリシスが小さい。(b) Hysteresis is small.

(ハ)構造および組み立てが簡単で、製造コストを安く
することができる。
(c) The structure and assembly are simple, and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

等の優れた効果を得られるものである。It is possible to obtain excellent effects such as.

【図面の簡単な説明】[Brief explanation of the drawing]

第1図は本発明による可変抵抗装置の第一実施例を、押
圧子が押されていない状態において示す断面図、第2図
は該実施例を、押圧子が押されている状態において示す
断面図、第3図は第1図の■−■線における断面図、第
4図は第1図のIV−■線における断面図、第5図は該
実施例を示す平面図、第6図は該実施例に用いられた伸
長型導電ゴムの伸び率と電気抵抗の変化との関係を示す
特性図、第7図は本発明による可変抵抗装置の第二実施
例を、押圧子が押されていない状態において示す断面図
、第8図は該実施例を、押圧子が押されている状態にお
いて示す断面図、第9図は本発明による可変抵抗装置の
第三実施例を示す平面図、第10図は第9図のX−X線
における断面図、第11図は本発明による可変抵抗装置
の第四実施例を示す平面図である。 3.4・・・電極、5・・・押圧子、5c・・・凸部、
7・・・伸長型導電ゴム、8・・・空間。 第1図 第2図 5日 第3図 第5図 第4図 Ω 第6図 1゜ 3゜ ・40 イ申び率 第7図 第8図 4I 第10図 1よ 4@−2 第11図
FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a first embodiment of the variable resistance device according to the present invention in a state in which the pusher is not pressed, and FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the embodiment in a state in which the pusher is pressed. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line ■-■ in FIG. 1, FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line IV--■ in FIG. 1, FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the embodiment, and FIG. FIG. 7 is a characteristic diagram showing the relationship between the elongation rate of the elongated conductive rubber used in this example and the change in electrical resistance. FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing this embodiment in a state where the presser is not pressed; FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a third embodiment of the variable resistance device according to the present invention; FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line X--X in FIG. 9, and FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a fourth embodiment of the variable resistance device according to the present invention. 3.4... Electrode, 5... Presser, 5c... Convex part,
7...Stretchable conductive rubber, 8...Space. Fig. 1 Fig. 2 5th Fig. 3 Fig. 5 Fig. 4 Ω Fig. 6 1゜3゜・40 I offer rate Fig. 7 Fig. 8 Fig. 4I Fig. 10 1-4@-2 Fig. 11

Claims (4)

【特許請求の範囲】[Claims] 1.対をなす電極と、これらの電極に対向して設けられ
た押圧子と、前記電極と前記押圧子との間に設けられた
伸長型導電エラストマー(伸びを与えられると該伸びの
大きさに応じて電気抵抗値が変化するエラストマー)と
を有してなり、前記押圧子が前記電極側に押されると、
該押圧子が前記導電エラストマーを押し、前記導電エラ
ストマーのうちの各電極に隣接している部分を各電極に
押し付けるとともに前記導電エラストマーのうちの前記
電極間の部分に伸びを与えるようになっていることを特
徴とする可変抵抗装置。
1. A pair of electrodes, a presser provided facing these electrodes, and an elongated conductive elastomer provided between the electrode and the presser (when elongated, the elongated conductive elastomer (an elastomer whose electrical resistance value changes), and when the presser is pressed toward the electrode side,
The presser presses the conductive elastomer, pressing a portion of the conductive elastomer adjacent to each electrode against each electrode, and giving elongation to a portion of the conductive elastomer between the electrodes. A variable resistance device characterized by:
2.前記押圧子は実質的に剛体であり、 前記押圧子が前記電極側に押されていないときには、前
記押圧子と反対側において、前記導電エラストマーのう
ちの前記電極間の部分に隣接して空間が形成されており
、 前記押圧子には、該押圧子が前記電極側に押され、該押
圧子が前記導電エラストマーのうちの各電極に隣接して
いる部分を各電極に押し付けたとき、前記導電エラスト
マーのうちの前記電極間の部分を前記空間側に変形させ
る凸部を設けられている請求項1記載の可変抵抗装置。
2. The presser is substantially rigid, and when the presser is not pressed toward the electrode, a space is formed adjacent to a portion of the conductive elastomer between the electrodes on the opposite side of the presser. The presser is configured such that when the presser is pressed toward the electrode and the presser presses a portion of the conductive elastomer adjacent to each electrode onto each electrode, the conductive elastomer 2. The variable resistance device according to claim 1, further comprising a convex portion that deforms a portion of the elastomer between the electrodes toward the space.
3.前記押圧子は実質的に剛体であり、 前記押圧子と前記伸長型導電エラストマーとの間に柔軟
で弾性を有する介装材が設けられており、前記押圧子が
前記電極側に押されていないときには、前記押圧子と反
対側において、前記導電エラストマーのうちの前記電極
間の部分に隣接して空間が形成されている請求項1記載
の可変抵抗装置。
3. The presser is substantially rigid, and a flexible and elastic intervening material is provided between the presser and the elongated conductive elastomer, and the presser is not pressed toward the electrode. 2. The variable resistance device according to claim 1, wherein a space is sometimes formed adjacent to a portion of the conductive elastomer between the electrodes on a side opposite to the presser.
4.前記押圧子は柔軟で弾性を有する材料からなり、 前記押圧子が前記電極側に押されていないときには、前
記押圧子と反対側において、前記導電エラストマーのう
ちの前記対をなす電極間の部分に隣接して空間が形成さ
れており、 前記押圧子の一部が押圧されると、該部分が前記導電エ
ラストマーの対応する部分を押し、前記導電エラストマ
ーのうちの前記電極に隣接している部分の一部を前記電
極に押し付けるとともに前記導電エラストマーうちの前
記電極間の部分の一部に伸びを与えるようになっている
請求項1記載の可変抵抗装置。
4. The presser is made of a soft and elastic material, and when the presser is not pressed toward the electrode, a portion of the conductive elastomer between the pair of electrodes is formed on the side opposite to the presser. A space is formed adjacently, and when a part of the presser is pressed, the part pushes a corresponding part of the conductive elastomer, and the part of the conductive elastomer adjacent to the electrode is pressed. 2. The variable resistance device according to claim 1, wherein a portion of the conductive elastomer is pressed against the electrodes and a portion of the conductive elastomer between the electrodes is stretched.
JP63207287A 1988-08-23 1988-08-23 Variable resistance device Pending JPH0256903A (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP63207287A JPH0256903A (en) 1988-08-23 1988-08-23 Variable resistance device
EP90103047A EP0442015A1 (en) 1988-08-23 1990-02-16 Variable resistor utilizing extension type conductive rubber
US07/488,133 US5162775A (en) 1988-08-23 1990-03-05 Variable resistor utilizing extension type conductive rubber

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP63207287A JPH0256903A (en) 1988-08-23 1988-08-23 Variable resistance device
US07/488,133 US5162775A (en) 1988-08-23 1990-03-05 Variable resistor utilizing extension type conductive rubber

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
JPH0256903A true JPH0256903A (en) 1990-02-26

Family

ID=26516161

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
JP63207287A Pending JPH0256903A (en) 1988-08-23 1988-08-23 Variable resistance device

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US5162775A (en)
EP (1) EP0442015A1 (en)
JP (1) JPH0256903A (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0442015A1 (en) 1991-08-21
US5162775A (en) 1992-11-10

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